Requirements for Certification

Experience/Education Requirement:

Have six years pertinent landscape design experience. (1-4 years must be post-secondary related education)

Successfully complete each section of the certification examination (A minimum grade of 70% in each section required).

Submit a portfolio of three projects completed by the candidate that meets the judging committee requirements.

Written Exam:

Candidates must successfully complete each section of the Certified Landscape Designer written exam:

Communications

Landscape Construction

Design

Grading & Drainage

Horticulture

Practice

Candidates who do not achieve 70% in each section will re-write only those sections.

Portfolio Requirement:

Candidates must submit a Landscape Design portfolio of 3 projects completed by the candidate (with at least 3 client references to confirm that the work was completed by the candidate) that meets the Portfolio Submission Guideline. The portfolio is judged by a Jury of academic, design/build members of CNLA or CSLA and a representative of the regional Landscape Industry Certified Designer group.

Submit Portfolios to:

Sample portfolio:

Jen Cuddie is a community-spirited designer, eager to help others in her field. She has agreed to making her own CLD portfolio available for download soon, as a model for others seeking the CLD designation.

Professional designers create professional landscapes. At your home or business, on properties large or small, on the ground or on a rooftop, a professionally designed landscape can improve virtually any site. Whether you seek to increase the value of your investment with a professionally designed property, or enhance the quality of your outdoor living space, your first step should be to consider hiring a Certified Landscape Designer.